Derrick

Yes I think you may be right.

I have finally had success. They told me that they have "re-instated" my gmail account and told me how to access it. No word about why it was un-instated, probably because I unsuccessfully tried to log in so many times. I still think it was because I changed to Vista that the problem started but all's well that ends' well.

If anyone else has the same trouble, go straight to "my account has been compromised' or 'I think someone is using my account'. That's the only way to get action and get to correspond with them.

Thanks again for your help Nigel.